Environmental Programs
"Squaw Valley is the most beautiful valley the eye
of man has ever beheld."
-Placer County Surveyor Thomas A. Young, 1856
Squaw Valley is proud to be a 2003 Waste Reduction Awards Program Winner! Learn more!
Squaw Valley USA, and the surrounding Sierra Nevada mountains, provide one of the most spectacular settings in the world. However, the privilege of access is accompanied by a responsibility to preserve many of the areas fragile ecosystems. Squaw Valley Ski Corp. takes this responsibility very seriously and is committed to utilizing new ways to preserve the surroundings in which we live, work and play.
To complement Squaw Valley’s current environmental programs, in June of 2000, the Ski Corp joined many other resorts across the country in adopting the National Ski Areas Association’s (NSAA) Environmental Charter – Sustainable Slopes. The Charter includes a set of voluntary principals for protection of the alpine areas in which resorts operate, and it formalizes the industry’s commitment to environmental sustainability. The vision behind this effort encourages resorts to be leaders among outdoor recreation providers, managing their businesses in a way that demonstrates their commitment to environmental protection and stewardship while meeting the expectations of the public. The formalization of Squaw Valley’s environmental improvement goals and procedures aims to restore and protect this recreational environment, and to ensure the health and quality of the immediate surroundings.
Each year Squaw Valley USA continues to implement steps toward the completion of a twelve-year environmental improvement initiative with ongoing programs, research, and new plans for the future.
There are many things that you can do to help! Click
here for some easy ways to help Squaw Valley USA contribute to a pristine
mountain environment. Also, check out the National Ski Area Association's
new campaign "Keep Winter
Cool".
Squaw Valley's Environmental Values
"The environment is our asset. A beautiful and pristine mountain
experience brings our guests and employees to Squaw Valley. It is our
duty to make every effort to protect that experience."
-Nancy Wendt, President of Squaw Valley Ski Corp.
Environmental
Policies
The Environmental Charter has three basic components:
1. Planning, Design and Construction
2. Operations
3. Education
Within each of these components are environmental principles, encompassing
efficient energy and water use, water quality management and preservation
of wetlands and riparian areas. Further, the Environmental Charter
outlines methods for achieving those principles or "options for getting
there."
Of the many action items outlined in the Charter, Squaw Valley Ski Corp. has
concentrated its efforts on the following principals. These include:
- Education/Outreach
- Energy & Water Use
- Forest & Vegetative Management
- Wetlands
- Water Quality Management
- Transportation
- Waste Management
Education & Outreach
Because of their setting in an outdoor, natural environment and the
clear connection between that natural environment and the guest experience,
ski areas have an excellent opportunity to take a leadership role in environmental
education and in enhancing the environmental awareness of their guests,
surrounding communities, and employees.
Ski
Corp introduced Squaw Ecology for the 1999/2000 winter season. This educational
program was developed and designed to educate resort guests and community
members about the ski area’s natural environment and the importance
of environmental preservation.
The program featured interpretive signs located on the upper mountain detailing the trees, animals and streams that make up Squaw’s ecosystem, as well as a brochure, stickers, and a coloring book to enhance the on-hill education. The program is in the process of being updated and improved for the 2006-2007 winter season.
Community outreach programs include:
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School Groups: Squaw Valley works with local school groups as part of their curriculum to learn about the resort’s Environmental Programs and about Safety.
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Trash Pick-Up: Each Spring, Squaw hosts school groups to help clean up trash in the base area. In addition, Squaw’s parking and transportation department take care of valley wide clean up along Squaw Valley Road.
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Highway Cleanup: Squaw Valley sponsors a three-mile section of Hwy 80 and sends staff throughout the summer to maintain the highway.
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Facility Tours: Tours for local school children of Squaw’s Funitel and Children’s Center facilities, both boasting highly sophisticated geothermal and solar heating designs.
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Truckee River Watershed Council: Squaw donates funds to this group and participates with carious committees and events such as Truckee River Day.
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Winter Tours: Squaw has hosted several "Ski with a Ranger" days emphasizing the natural environment.
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Summer Tours: Each summer Squaw hosts several "Hike with a Ranger" days that educate guests about the flora, fauna, geology and natural wilderness of this region of the Sierra.
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Tree Planting: During the fall of 2000, fifty middle school students planted seedlings in the Gold Coast area.
Energy & Water
Use in Facilities
Ski areas can be leaders in implementing energy efficiency techniques and increasing
the use of renewable energy sources within their operations to conserve natural
resources, reduce pollution and greenhouse gases and reduce the potential impacts
of climate change.
Squaw Valley Ski Corp. has implemented revolutionary technology to reduce energy use throughout its facilities in an effort to conserve energy and protect valuable natural resources.
In 2000 Squaw Valley replace the drive in the Cable Car which resulted
in the significant reduction of kilowatt hours used by the popular
lift. For the full story, click
here.
The incineration process, used in Squaw Valley’s recycling efforts, is
one of the most efficient ways to dispose of solid waste and reduces the amount
of garbage sent to landfills. In addition, the heat generated as a by-product
of the process is used to heat the Gold Coast complex, reducing the need for
fossil fuels.
Hardy Herger, Squaw Valley’s Technical Consultant, has designed and implemented
a geothermal heat pump system at the 12,000 square foot SquawKids Children's
Center facility.
The heat pump system is the only one of its kind in the United States and uses the natural energy of the earth (heat stored beneath the earth’s surface) to heat water, which is subsequently used to heat the entire building.
[more on
the heat pump system]
The Olympic Ice Pavilion utilizes
the most technologically advanced refrigeration system of its kind.
A state of the art heat exchanger freezes the ice of the Olympic
Ice Pavilion while simultaneously heating the Swimming Lagoon & Spa,
the surrounding decks and walkways and the interior of the High Camp
Bath & Tennis Club.
The Gold Coast Funitel also uses a similar heat exchange system.
The heat generated by the lift’s motors is used to heat the floor hydronics
throughout the building, while cold air, a by product of the heat exchange
system, is recycled back to the engine room to cool the motors.
Forest & Vegetative Management
Ski areas recognize the importance of stewardship in managing the
forests and vegetation that support ecosystems and allow for public recreation
opportunities. Sound forest and vegetative management can benefit fish
and wildlife habitat, water quality and viewsheds and reduce erosion,
pollution, and greenhouse gases.
Ski resort operations can potentially impact vegetation, which in turn can increase soil erosion and damage the quality of local watersheds.
To combat this, Squaw Valley has created
an environmental improvement department devoted to projects such as erosion
control, revegetation (incorporating the use of natural grasses and wildflowers)
and the implementation of Best Management Practices (BMP’s) for
construction projects.
Squaw Valley’s efforts to improve the mountain’s natural vegetation, riparian areas, and wetlands all contribute positively to water quality. The Valley’s forested and revegetated land absorbs rain, refills underground aquifers, cleanses water, slows winter runoff, reduces flooding, and overall, sustains watershed stability and resilience.
Squaw Valley Ski Corp works diligently to preserve native and naturalized plant populations and their communities by collecting tree, shrub, grass and flower seeds from around the resort. The tree and shrub seeds are germinated at local nurseries, returned to Squaw Valley, and planted. The grass and flower seeds are dried and shipped back to Squaw Valley where they are redistributed. The seed is mixed with water and fertilizer and then the solution is distributed onto a seedbed. The material is then covered with a blanket of mulch and/or straw followed by a biodegradable netting to protect the seeds and enhance growth. It can take anywhere from a few months to several years for the vegetation to become completely established, depending on the type of seed, the slope aspect and pitch, soil composition and water availability.
Seed Distribution
Squaw Valley’s native seed mix includes a variety of grasses
and native flowers such as Shasta Daisy, Indian Paintbrush, Yarrow,
Slender Wheatgrass, Mountain Brome, Blue Wildrye, Big Bluegrass,
Spanish Clover and Lupine.
Common revegetation projects include seeding terminal areas and reseeding roads.
Erosion control projects include road eradication and drainage improvements.
Road Eradication - This road has been reseeded
Squaw Valley USA also utilizes heavy mulch application as part of revegetation efforts. The pine needles used for this type of mulching, in addition to protecting the plants, decay in time and enrich the soil, restoring the natural Ph and adding humus to the earth. The amount of humus affects the structure, color, texture, and moisture-holding capacity of the soil, which improves the ability for plants to thrive. Mulch application, whether pine needles, wood chips or straw, creates a physical barrier protecting soil from damage by rainfall or runoff.
Projects during the 2005 Summer, completed by an environmental
improvement staff of eight, included:
- The application of over 1100 pounds of seed, 190 cubic yards of humus, 930 cubic yards of wood chips, 900 yards of pine needles and 960 bales of straw, 2 tons of organic fertilizer, 3000' of straw waddles to Squaw Valley’s slopes to help stabilize potential erosion.
- Hydro seed, mulch, wood chips and two water bars with rip rap were applied to the top of Gold Coast
- Tower 4 of the Funitel received hydro seed and mulch as well as hand rip rapped gully.
- Trail maintenance was done on Tower 6's Trail of Tears.
- Tower 16 was watered once a week and more on hot weeks
- Willow and sedge plugs were added to Gold Coast Pond. 200 willows were planted to settling ponds below the dam. The flow of water was kept unobstruckted all summer long which filled the ponds below dam to encourage willow growth. 98% of above coverage requirement was achieved!
- Access to Tower 3 road was hydro-seeded and strawed/tacked.
- The Burkhardt's Bridge Project included bmp installation maintenance, daily monitering, the removal of 5 yards of concrete and rebar with demolition hammers. Area was kept clean and dry by installing and removing 230 sand bags as a water diversion.
- Olympic Lady in-line ditch received maintenence. Straw waddles were applied to to stop dirt movement.
- Lost Lake Wetlands were hydro-seeded, mulched, and irrigation system was set up. 800 willows were planted and98% of coverage was achieved.
- Mogul Hill Alternate was hydro seeded, mulched, and 110 bales of straw were tacked after construction finished. Three rolling dip, rip-rapped water bars were added.
Projects during the 2004 summer, completed by an environmental improvement staff of eight, included
- Planting of 600 shrubs to augment natural vegetation
The application of over 800 pounds of seed, 190 cubic yards of humus,
400 cubic yards of wood chips, 480 yards of pine needles and 960 bales
of straw, 2 tons of organic fertilizer, 3000' of straw waddles to Squaw
Valley’s slopes to help stabilize potential erosion.- Over 5,000 wooden stakes and 18 rolls of fiber blanket were installed by hand to help protect freshly planted seeds.
- Squaw Valley also continued with its native seed collection program.
- Staff utilized a Shred Vac in revegetation efforts this summer to
enhance progress. This revolutionary machine is a unique all-in-one
collector, shredder and spreader that can vacuum and manually or mechanically
load, shred and apply mulch consisting of pine needles, wood chips and
humus for a multitude of erosion and stormwater control, landscaping
and
revegetation applications. This tool allowed staff to more efficiently
and effectively cover areas of concern to maximize growth. The plants
and seeds were then watered by several miles of temporary irrigation
lines, installed by hand, and treated with organic fertilizer to ensure
proper root development and plant health. - Squaw Valley also utilized over 900 cubic yards of pine needles collected from the community that were re-used as eco-friendly mulch on the resort’s slopes. The needles are a renewable resource that are used in revegetation efforts to increase the water retention and nourishment of the soil as well as help protect plant roots and keep weeds under control.
Major undertakings during the 2004 summer included two specific
projects on towers 4 and 6 of the Funitel.
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Tower 4 |
The tower 4 project included the planting of over 500 plants, topsoil
application and seeding, the elimination of a temporary access road,
and the hand-installation of over 10,000 wooden stakes to secure
enormous erosion control blankets to protect the ground surface.
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Tower 6 |
Around tower 6, Squaw Valley staff completed another major project,
which included the installation of erosion control blankets, application
of a hand-picked native seed mix, and the removal of a potential
source of sediment.
Additional accomplishments during the 2003 summer included:
- The planting of over 1,500 shrubs and seedlings to augment natural vegetation.
- Squaw also applied over 2,000 pounds of seed to resort slopes.
- The plants and seeds were watered by several miles of temporary irrigation lines and treated with organic fertilizer to ensure proper root development and plant health.
- More than 100,000 pounds of wood fiber mulch were applied to Squaw Valley’s slopes to help curb erosion.
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A summer-long pine needle recycling program provided Squaw Valley with several tons of local pine needles that were re-used as eco-friendly mulch on the resort’s slopes. The needles are a renewable resource that are used in revegetation efforts to increase the water retention and nourishment of the soil as well as to help protect plant roots and keep weeds under control.
Pine Needles around Far East's Top Terminal
- Squaw Valley also continued efforts to eliminate invasive weeds.
Major accomplishments during the 2002 summer included:
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- The application of 1000 pounds of seed mix, several hundred bitterbrush, manzanita, snowberry and western serviceberry seedlings,
- The planting of approximately 50 wild roses
- The distribution of 4 tons fiber mulch, 60 yards pine needles, 1020 bales of straw, 2000 feet of straw waddles and 5 tons of organic fertilizer to various projects around the resort.
- In greening efforts the crew used 1500 feet of environmental fence, over 100 large sprinkler heads, miles of sprinkler pipe, one wood chipper and hundreds of man-hours.
Major accomplishments during the 2001summer included:
- The planting of 1,200 trees, and 2,000 shrubs to augment natural vegetation (many of the seeds were previously collected on the mountain in past summers and grown at local nurseries).
- The resort applied 1,500 pounds of seed and 75 tons of wood fiber mulch to its slopes to curb erosion. Squaw Valley also used a helicopter to distribute much of the mulch to avoid unnecessary mountain disturbances.
- The resort decommissioned several mountain roads to further decrease disturbances to the natural environment.
- Squaw Valley has taken steps to eliminate two invasive weeds from the resort’s slopes, the Spotted Knapweed and the Hoary Cress or Whitetop. Invasive plants are a major concern in this region as the competitive nature of these types of plants replaces diverse plant communities with an unproductive monoculture that severely impacts varied environments.
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White Top |
Spotted Knapweed |
Wetlands
Ski areas recognize that wetlands and riparian areas are crucial components
of the alpine ecosystems in which they operate.
A wetland is a swampy or marshy area with characteristics of both dry land and bodies of water. Wetlands typically occur in low-lying areas that receive fresh water at the edges of lakes, ponds, streams, and rivers. Here water stands at or near the ground surface, forming a habitat for different types of plants and wildlife. Wetlands can act as reservoirs for flood control, taking in excess water from urban streams during rainy seasons and they are natural sediment filters
Ski Corp is dedicated to preserving and improving wetland areas within the resort. In 2000 staff completed an engineered wetland project encompassing over an acre surrounding the Gold Coast Pond. Shallow water areas, levees, and water-control structures were constructed in order to restore the natural hydrology of the property and improve habitat for wetland-dependent wildlife. It was critical to build the proper topographic features, and ensure that the project provided for appropriate water flows to encourage growth of wetland vegetation, which was planted from seed. By successfully maintaining the wetland, the Ski Corp hopes to reduce flooding and erosion, improve water quality, and increase the population of many plants and animals.
During 2002 maintenance included the application of up to 60 yards of special topsoil, the application of a special ‘wetlands’ seed mix, the installation of a new irrigation system to promote growth, and the transplanting of numerous willow shrubs.
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The Thriving Gold Coast Wetland |
Most areas of the wetland are now functioning perfectly, while
other areas will require further monitoring and minor adjustment
in order to duplicate the processes, which occur in naturally occurring
wetlands.
Water
Quality Management
Water is an important resource for ski areas as well as the surrounding natural
environments and communities, and should be used as efficiently and effectively
as possible.
Ski Corp engages in substantial water quality monitoring within the watershed in order to ensure the ongoing health of the Squaw Valley ecosystem and of Squaw Creek and the Truckee River. The Resort collects water samples from several sites during periods when runoff occurs. The sampling sites and schedule for collection were determined in coordination with State regulatory authorities, which have helped the company to ensure that the program yields useful data.
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Water monitoring ensures water quality |
After the samples are collected, they are shipped to an independent analytical laboratory that analyzes them for constituents of concern. (In Squaw Valley, the most important potential pollutant is sediment, which naturally enters the water through snowmelt and runoff.) Ski Corp uses the sample data diagnostically, in order to identify areas that may benefit from further environmental enhancement, drainage improvement, or revegetation.
Over time, it is possible to see the effects of many of the Ski Corp’s Environmental Improvement efforts, and to identify new avenues for improvement.
Natural vegetation, riparian areas, and wetlands all contribute positively to water quality. Therefore, Ski Corp’s Forest and Vegetative Management program is the resort’s best tool to keep sediment from entering runoff.
Erosion is the removal of rock and soil material by natural processes, such as snow, water, ice and wind. Erosion transports earthen material after the process of weathering has broken bedrock down into smaller, moveable pieces. One method of controlling the effect this erosive process has on the natural environment is to stabilize areas of runoff. By adding a protective mound of stones to the existing channels of runoff, the water is controlled and basins can be built to collect sediment from runoff in order to preserve water quality.
Sediment Basins promote water quality
The resort has installed numerous "sedimentation basins" where water is collected and slowed down in its natural course down the valley. These basins collect water flows, allowing sediment to fall to the bottom of the ponds before water is discharged from the holding areas.
During the late summer and fall, the sediment basins are emptied and the material is removed to areas where it will not be prone to re-erode. The cleaned basins are then available to capture sediment from water flows during the upcoming season.
Each summer, Squaw Valley works with the Truckee River Habitat Restoration Group to assist with efforts to restore the Truckee River Watershed and promote a healthy river system.
Squaw Valley provides funds that are used to help bring the community
together on Truckee River Day as well as promote coordinated watershed
assessment and resource management. Squaw Valley also provides employees
and vehicles and encourages others to participate in Truckee River
Day, a celebration of the river at the heart of our region.
Truckee River Day offers the community the chance to clean up our habitat,
revegetate, and learn about the regions natural resources. In 2002 Ski Corp’s
staff spent the day harvesting willows to be replanted at a restoration site
in Coldstream Canyon in Truckee.
Transportation
Travel to and within ski areas has unavoidable impacts. Through transportation
initiatives, ski areas can do their part to help ease congestion and impacts
to air quality and improve the ski area experience.
Squaw
Valley USA is the only resort in the Tahoe basin to offer daily
ski shuttles from around Lake Tahoe and from Reno. Squaw Valley also
works exclusively with the Tahoe Queen, the only waterborne ski taxi in
the world, bringing skiers from the South Shore across the lake on a classic
paddlewheeler.
Each of these options not only provides a convenient and hassle-free way to get to the slopes, but it also decreases traffic and eliminates parking problems.
Squaw Valley also works with the county to create a "3-lane" traffic program to ease congestion and monitor traffic during peak periods.
Ski Corp places a major emphasis on getting its own employees to
use environmentally sensitive modes of transit to and from work.
Ski Corp pays the bill so that all of the resort’s employees,
and the employees of other businesses located in the base area, are
entitled to ride Tahoe Area Rapid
Transit to and from work each day free of charge. Squaw Valley
provides approximately $20,000 in annual funding to the TART program
each year in order to supplement revenues collected from non-employee
riders.
Ski Corp employees who drive their own cars to work receive incentives when
they carpool.
In early 2003 Squaw Valley also partnered with the web-based carpooling service
alternetrides.com. This free online service is available to resort guests and
offers an easy connection to ridesharing information from many locations around
California and Northern Nevada. To participate, visit www.alternetrides.com and
click on the ski resorts link to find or offer a ride to Squaw Valley.
In addition, Squaw Valley sponsors the Highway 80 Clean-up Program
to help maintain the cleanliness of our state highway.
In
August of 2000, Squaw Valley Ski Corp. joined a broad based coalition
of local residents and business owners in support of local Measure
E by donating $10,000 to the cause. Measure E’s goal was to
reduce traffic on Tahoe roads by funding coordinated shuttle services
and other transportation improvements.
Squaw Valley saw the measure as a significant step towards reducing the growing problem of traffic congestion and improving air quality in the Tahoe basin.
The completion Intrawest’s new Village at Squaw Valley has
increased lodging in the base area further reducing the need for
vehicle use.
The Village has created several hundred new units and a substantial new commercial
area. Together, these amenities have provided an experience that allows visitors
to stay in the Valley for several days, thus decreasing individual vehicle
trips.
We expect that the new Village will continue to attract even more guests from
across the nation and the world. These guests are likely to stay for several
days, whereas guests from the immediate region are likely to stay for shorter
durations, but visit more frequently.
Guests who visit from distant locales often do so without making use of personal
vehicles, and are apt to stay longer, thus adding fewer incremental vehicle
trips.
Ski Corp is working with County and State officials to encourage
the use of mass transit, and to anticipate changing transit needs
in our area.
Waste
Management
The Principles below incorporate the "REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE" philosophy of
waste management to help ensure materials are being used efficiently and disposed
of only after consideration is given to reusing or recycling them. Reducing
waste helps protect natural resources, reduce pollution, greenhouse gases and
energy use by decreasing the need to produce new materials, and minimizes disposal
costs.
Squaw Valley has instituted a comprehensive recycling program.
- Tier one targets Squaw Valley’s guests. In conjunction with the Tahoe Truckee Sierra Disposal Company, recycling bins for glass and aluminum have been strategically placed in key, high traffic areas throughout the resort.
- Tier two of the recycling program takes place behind the scenes. All Ski Corp. offices are equipped with recycling containers for paper. Each year Squaw Valley Ski Corp. recycles over 4 tons of paper products.
- The third tier incorporates a solid waste incinerator. All solid waste from Squaw Valley’s mid-mountain complexes, Gold Coast and High Camp, is vaporized in an incinerator, which is 99.99% efficient. All recyclable materials are recovered prior to incineration.
- Tier four takes place in Squaw Valley’s vehicle shops where the staff recycles all oil and hydraulic fluids, tires and batteries. Squaw Valley also uses only MTBE free gasoline. An on-site system also recycles all anti-freeze products.
In
early 2001, Squaw Valley installed tier five, a
state-of-the-art trash compactor (know as a Waste Reduction System)
for the base area facilities. This new system greatly reduces the
size of trash to be removed from the premises.
The
Future
Projects already in the planning stages for the 2004 summer include the
maintenance of previously eliminated mountain roadways to further curb
erosion, increased water conservation, additional runoff treatment measures
to ensure water quality, improved drainage structures and runoff conveyances
and expanded recycling efforts.
Squaw Valley’s Technical Director, Hardy Herger is researching
additional environmental improvement initiatives such as the implementation
of wind and solar power on the upper mountain, which could further contribute
to the goal of emissions reduction.
We remain committed to embracing environmentally progressive practices
and work will continue to ensure that the mountain’s beauty is sustained
for generations to come.
